Sales & Service Director

LHH; Maltepe; On-site; TRY 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH is seeking a senior commercial leader for its expanding Turkish operation based in Maltepe, Istanbul. You will shape and execute growth strategy, lead the sales and service organization, and build strong relationships with customers, distributors, OEM partners, and internal stakeholders.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree with 15+ years in sales or general management within material handling or industrial sectors, plus fluent Turkish and professional English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, or related discipline.
• MBA or postgraduate degree is an advantage.
• Fluent Turkish and professional English communication skills.
• 15+ years of experience in Sales, Commercial Leadership, Business Development, or General Management.
• Strong commercial experience within the Material Handling Industry.
• Experience in environments such as Forklift Truck Equipment, Forklift Rental Operations, Industrial Equipment, Construction Equipment, Heavy Machinery, Service & Spare Parts Organizations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's commercial strategy in line with regional and global objectives.
• Lead and manage the overall sales and service organization to achieve revenue growth and profitability.
• Drive business development to expand market presence across relevant customer segments.
• Build and strengthen strategic relationships with key customers, distributors, dealers, and partners.
• Define and implement go-to-market strategies to improve commercial effectiveness.
• Lead, coach, and develop high-performing sales and customer service teams.
• Establish clear commercial objectives, KPIs, and performance processes.
• Ensure alignment between sales, customer service, operations, and regional leadership.
• Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitive developments for strategy.
• Drive operational excellence across commercial activities and customer service.
• Support organizational development, team expansion, and succession planning.
• Develop and monitor business plans, sales forecasts, and performance metrics.
• Represent the company in the market and strengthen brand positioning in target industries.
• Act as the liaison between the Turkish organization and regional leadership.

Skills

People leadership

Distributor networks

B2B sales & account management

Strategic thinking

P&L management

Leadership & communication

English proficiency

Entrepreneurial mindset

Growth orientation

Cross-functional collaboration

Industrial sector knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA or postgraduate degree

Job description

Our client is a global organization operating within the specialty industrial products sector, serving customers across multiple industries including Material Handling Equipment /Forklifts

Forklift Trucks, Construction/Mining Equipment, Agricultural Tractors / Machinery, Port and Terminal Equipment. The company is currently expanding its presence in Turkey and investing in the development of its local commercial organization.

The position will be responsible for leading the commercial organization, driving business growth, developing customer and partner relationships, and ensuring operational excellence across the market.

Reporting to regional leadership, the successful candidate will play a key role in shaping and executing the company's growth strategy, strengthening the local organization, and supporting its next phase of development. The position is based in Maltepe, Istanbul.

Job Description

• Bachelor's degree from a reputable university, preferably in Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, or a related discipline.
• MBA or postgraduate degree is considered an advantage.
• Fluent Turkish and professional English communication skills.
• 15+ years of experience in Sales, Commercial Leadership, Business Development, or General Management roles.
• Strong commercial experience within the Material Handling Industry.
• Experience in one or more of the following environments:
• Forklift Truck Equipment
• Forklift Rental Operations
• Industrial Equipment
• Construction Equipment
• Heavy Machinery
• Service & Spare Parts Organizations

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing both direct and indirect teams.
• Minimum 5 years of people leadership experience.
• Experience building and managing distributor, dealer, and customer networks.
• Strong B2B sales and account management background.
• Experience managing sales and operational activities simultaneously.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on management approach.
• Experience developing commercial organizations and driving business transformation.
• P&L management experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent command of English, with the ability to effectively communicate, negotiate, and influence stakeholders across international and matrix organizations at both regional and global levels
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate effectively within a growing organization.
• Results-oriented with a strong focus on growth, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.
• Ability to establish credibility with customers, distributors, OEM partners, and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's commercial strategy in line with regional and global business objectives.
• Lead and manage the overall sales and service organization, ensuring the achievement of sustainable revenue growth and profitability targets.
• Drive business development initiatives to expand market presence and identify new growth opportunities across relevant customer segments.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen strategic relationships with key customers, distributors, dealers, and business partners.
• Define and implement go-to-market strategies to enhance commercial effectiveness and market penetration.
• Lead, coach, and develop high-performing sales and customer service teams, fostering a performance-driven culture.
• Establish clear commercial objectives, KPIs, and performance management processes to support organizational growth.
• Ensure close alignment and collaboration between sales, customer service, operations, and regional leadership teams.
• Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitive developments to support strategic decision‑making.
• Drive operational excellence across commercial activities, ensuring customer satisfaction and efficient service delivery.
• Support organizational development initiatives, including team expansion, capability building, and succession planning.
• Develop and monitor business plans, sales forecasts, and commercial performance metrics.
• Represent the company in the market, strengthening brand presence and positioning within target industries.
• Act as the primary liaison between the Turkish organization and regional leadership, ensuring effective communication and execution of business priorities.